Tailscale vs OpenVPN Comparison
Tailscale
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Individuals
- Large Enterprises
Tailscale is a VPN software that allows you to access blocked websites. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux and features a user-friendly wizard like interface making it easy to use for beginners. Also, it makes creating a…
OpenVPN
Starting at $75 /Month
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access…
OpenVPN leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 315 reviews.
Tailscale vs OpenVPN — at a glance
| Feature | Tailscale | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | — | 4.4 / 5 |
| Reviews | — | 315 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | $75 /Month |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Individuals, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | VPN Software | VPN Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | GDPR |
| Data residency | Global | — |
Key differences between Tailscale and OpenVPN
- Pricing: OpenVPN starts at $75 /Month. Tailscale pricing is not publicly listed.
- Target audience: Tailscale is built for Individuals and Large Enterprises, while OpenVPN targets Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises.
- Deployment: Tailscale supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; OpenVPN supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.
Tailscale vs OpenVPN — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most VPN Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Individuals, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
Best for secure, customizable VPNs with strong SSL/TLS encryption.
- You need secure remote workforce or site-to-site VPN connections.
- Your IT team can handle medium complexity setups and configurations.
- You want an open-source VPN that supports NAT and firewall traversal.
- You require a plug-and-play VPN for non-technical users.
- You need extensive built-in compliance and enterprise process management.
Tailscale typically suits Individuals and Large Enterprises. OpenVPN tends to fit Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.
Description | Tailscale is a VPN software that allows you to access blocked websites. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux and features a user-friendly wizard like interface making it easy to use for ... Read More about Tailscale | OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged ... Read More about OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
Entry Level Pricing |
|
|
Free Trial Availability |
|
|
Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | — | Small BusinessLarge Enterprises |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
|---|
Need a second opinion?
Get shortlist help from a software advisor
Share your priorities, budget, and team needs, and we’ll help you narrow the options and understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors.
How do Tailscale and OpenVPN Compare on Features?
Total Features | 6 Features | 6 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Tailscale and OpenVPN on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
Pricing Option | ||
|---|---|---|
Starting From |
|
|
Pricing Plans |
|
|
Pricing Page |  |  |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
|
|
|---|---|---|
Platforms Supported |
|
|
Modes of support |
|
|
API Support |
|
|
Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
|---|---|---|
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | — | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | — |
Tailscale User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | No reviews available for the product | |
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | No reviews available for this product | |
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights OpenVPN's strong security, ease of deployment, and cross-platform compatibility, with some concerns about technical complexity. What buyers like
Common complaints
|
Pros and Cons |
|
|
Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  1 Screenshots |  2 Screenshots |
|---|---|---|
Videos |  1 Videos |  3 Videos |
Top Alternatives to Tailscale and OpenVPN in 2026
Alternatives |
|---|
Add another option to compare side by side
Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.Compare similar software options
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Tailscale or OpenVPN?
- OpenVPN edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Tailscale and OpenVPN offer a free trial?
- Neither Tailscale nor OpenVPN currently lists a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Tailscale vs OpenVPN?
- Tailscale starts at Contact for pricing. OpenVPN starts at $75 /Month.
- What are the top alternatives to Tailscale?
- Top alternatives to Tailscale include UpVPN, FastestVPN, PrivadoVPN, Avast SecureLine VPN, Urban VPN.
- What are the top alternatives to OpenVPN?
- Top alternatives to OpenVPN include PureVPN, FastestVPN, NordVPN, Private Internet Access VPN, PrivateVPN.